Pipe cleaning and priming apparatus

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for cleaning and/or priming the outside and inside surfaces of a pipe and fitting or other hollow cylindrical object for a predetermined distance from the ends thereof. The apparatus includes a pair of annular cleaning pads connected to relatively movable body sections, a first pad being adapted to contact the inside surface of a fitting and a second pad being adapted to contact the outside surface of a pipe. The apparatus also includes a standard pressurized can for containment of a primer fluid and means for permitting fluid communication between the can and the annular pads to provide such pads with the fluid material for priming the surfaces of the pipe and fitting.

Elriited States Patent 1191 Usab 1 Dec. 3, 1974 1 PIPE CLEANING AND PRIMING 3,117,026 1/1964 Spier 118/215 APPARATUS 3,648,651 3/1972 Hinchcliff et al. 118/266 [75] Inventor: Martin A. Usab, Santa Ana, Calif. Primary Examiner Ronald Feldbaum v v [73] Assignee: Georg Fischer Aktiengesellschaft, Attorney Agent, Firmphilip Hinderstein Schaffhausen, Switzerland T [57] ABSTRAC 22 F1 d: S t. 10, 1973 1 1 6 ep Apparatus for cleamng and/or pr1m1ng the outs1de and PP 396,084 inside surfaces of a pipe and fitting or other hollow cylindrical object for a' predetermined distance from the 52 US. Cl. 118/3 15/104.03 ends there The apparatus includes a Pair annular [51] Int. Cl. 1305c 11/00 cleaning pads conmcted to relatively movable body [58] Field of Search 8/3 72 i 73 215 sections, a first pad being adapted to contact the in- 118/254 Z i 6 side surface of a fitting and a second pad being adapted to contact the outside surface of a pipe. The [56] References Cited apparatus also includes a standard pressurized can for containment of a primer fluid and means for permit- UNITED STATES PATENTS ting fluid communication between the can and the an- 221,939 I 1/1879 Root 1 18/215 nular pads to provide Such pads with the fl id material g; 2 33: 925; i for priming the surfaces of the pipe and fitting. 1n

10/1963 Leibner 118/72 x 18 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PIPE CLEANING AND PRIMING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to pipe cleaning and priming apparatus and, more particularly, to apparatus for cleaning and/or priming the outside and inside surfaces of pipes and fittings, respectively, or other hollow cylindrical objects, for a predetermined distance from the ends thereof.

2. Description of the Prior Art Recent years have evidenced a marked increase in the use of plastic pipes in a wide variety of pipe systems. Plastic pipes have gained this acceptance and have largely replaced copper, brass, cast iron, and other metal pipes for a variety of reasons. In the first instance, the plastic pipes are much cheaper to manufacture and are, therefore, much less expensive. Secondly, plastic pipes are potentially easier and faster to use because they may not contain threads and may be joined together with a solvent cement.

The principle of solvent cementing is not based upon a theory of gluing together a pipe and a fitting. To the contrary, available solvent cements actually dissolvethe plastic 'material .to permit a fusion or welding of the pipe to the fitting. Thus, the typical procedure for connecting a pipe to a fitting is to coat the inside surface of the fitting with the solvent cement, tov coat the outside surface of the pipe with the solvent cement, and then to insert the pipe into the fitting until it is bottomed. The solvent cement softens the outer layer of the pipe and the inner layer of the fitting and acts as a lubricant so that the pipe is readily insertable into the fitting. As the cement dries, a potentially strong and reliable joint is produced.

The single greatest cause of plastic piping system failures is poor solvent cementing. This is because a number of variables effect the efficiency and integrity of the joints. Among these variables are time, temperature, moisture, incompatible'foreign substances, discontinuities, movement and stresses, pipe and fitting tolerances, and workmanship. All of these operate, single and in combination, to render the task of solvent cementing difficult.

In many applications, it is sufficient to apply the solvent cement to the inside surface of the fitting and the outside surface of the pipe and then to insert the pipe into the fitting until it is bottomed. Fluid material applicators for achieving this function in a highly uniform, simple, and efficient manner are described in my copending application Ser. No. 387,645, filed Aug. 13, l973, for Fluid MaterialApplicator. However, in other cases, such as in high pressure and other critical applications, it is necessary to first clean and'prime the pipe and fitting surfaces in a manner that will make them vdependably and uniformly receptive to the solvent cement system used to bond them together.

A typical approach for cleaning the outside and inside surfaces of pipes and fittings, respectively, is to rub such surfaces with fine sandpaper. However, this has proven to be highly unsatisfactory because the workman often cannot see inside the fitting or all the way around the pipe and it is difficult to manipulate the sandpaper in a manner which will insure that all parts I of the fitting and pipe have been cleaned.

It is, therefore, more desirable to clean the outside surface of a pipe and the inside surface of a fitting with a primer, such as a blend of very active solvents, with a rapid rate of evaporation, for the purpose of etching the surface material and chemically cleaning and initiating the solvating action rapidly, prior to application of the slower and longer acting solvent cement. The typical means for storing and applying the primer uses a can, the cap of which incorporates a swab. Alternatively, a separate swab, paint brush, or rag may be used. The swab, paint brush, or rag is coated with the primer and then applied to the inside surface of the fitting and the outside surface of the pipe.

It is highly important to carefully control the handling of the primer in that it is not only sensitive to contamination, but capable of giving off potentially toxic fumes. The solvents employed are very hygroscopic and will change radically in effectiveness when exposed to the air, especially in higher humidity conditions. When using a swab and can system, every time the swab is applied, the solvents are exposed to available moisture in the air. Furthermore, the evaporation of selective components of the solvents during repeated exposure to the air will certainly effect its efficiency. The high flamability factor of the solvents'involved creates a fire hazard which is maximized with the open can systemf The variable elements of time are related to the workmans proficiency, the difficulty of the installation, the size'of the pipe, the type of joint, the environment of the installation, and the workmans ability and strength to handle the materials. If the application of the primer, in a difficult installation, is incompletely accomplished and the assembly surfaces are not adequately cleaned and primed, an incomplete bond may result, reducing or eliminating adhesion of all or part of the surfaces. The worst part is that the workman will .not know, for sure, what has happened before it is too late to remove the joint.

Often, the job of cleaning, priming, and solvent cementing plastic pipe is overly simplified and the job is relegated to an unskilled workman in the belief that it takes no special talent or skill. When working in the field, since the workman often has limited visibility, an incomplete coat of primer and cement will be applied if he is not proficient or-inattentive. The workman, after an inadequate cleaning and priming operation and with an insufficient coat of cement, stuffs the pipe half way in, wiggles the joint about in his zeal to get to the next joint, and moves on. There is no means to monitor this type of work until the workman has ruined a good amount of material.

Contrary to common belief, the complex requirements of cleaning, priming, and solvent cementing are highly specific and follow logic for those skilled in the trade. It is important to take care to remove all loose foreign materials, such as dirt,and obviously harmful substances, suchas oil, paint, tape, etc. It is also important that the surfaces of the pipe and fittingreceive a uniform and controlled coat of a highly reactive primer since an excess of primer will damage the pipe and fitting by dissolving too much of the surfaces. Also important is a mechanical scrubbing action that will effectively break the relatively resistant surface and initiate a solvating action. The pipe and the fitting are then ready to receive a precise, predictable amount of solvent cement compound at a precise location on the in- SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided pipe cleaning and priming apparatus which solves these problems in a manner unavailable heretofore. The present apparatus is operative to clean and apply to the end of a pipe and a fitting a quantity of fluid material, for a predetermined distance. Such cleaning and priming is accomplished quickly and efficiently so as to avoid the effect of the variables of time, temperature, discontinuities, workmanship, and the like. With the present apparatus, the great bulk of the primer is entirely enclosed, at all times, and only that portion being used is exposed to the air so that fewer fumes are released and so that the primer is not subject to contamination or loss-of effectiveness by exposure to the air. The fire hazard created by the high flammability factor of the solvents involved and the possible allergic reaction to the workmans skin is limited by the hermetic containment of the bulk of the primer.

Regardless of the difficulty of the installation, the present apparatus permits the removal of loose foreign materials and the application of the primer to the pipe and fitting rapidly and efficiently so that a uniformly prepared surface is provided. With the present apparatus, the job of pipe and fitting cleaning and priming is indeed so simplified that it may be'relegated to an unskilled workman. The complex requirements of cleaning and priming are all but eliminated and reduced to a simple routine that may be readily followed with a minimum amount of training.

Briefly, the present apparatus for cleaning and/or priming the outside and inside surfaces of a pipe and fitting or other hollow cylindrical'object for a predetermined distance from the ends thereof comprises a first elongate, cylindrical body section being insertable into the open end of a fitting for the predetermined distance and a second elongate, hollow, cylindrical body section positioned coaxially with and surrounding the first body section and connected thereto for slidable movement in a direction parallel to the axes thereof, the second body section defining an open ended chamber at one end thereof for receipt of the end of a pipe, the end of the pipe being insertable into the chamber for the predetermined distance. A first annular pad surrounds the first body section, at the one end thereof insertable into the fitting, the first pad extending outwardly from the first body section so as to contact the inside surface of the fitting. A second annular pad is positioned within the chamber in the second body section and is connected thereto adjacent the one end thereof, the second pad extending inwardly from the second body section so as to contact the outside surface of the pipe. The second body section is positionable, relative to the first body section, in a first position with the first and second pads in contact, in a second position with the second pad surrounding the first body section, out of contact with the first pad, permitting insertion of the first body section into the open end of a fitting, and in a third position with the first pad within the chamber in the second body section, out of contact with the second pad, permitting insertion of a pipe into the chamber. The apparatus also includes a standard aerosol can for containment of a fluid material and means extending through the first body section forming a fluid passageway interconnecting the can and the first pad to permit fluid communication therebetween. The can is movable relative to the first body section between a normal and a fluid releasing position, movement of the can to the fluid releasing position automatically actuating a valve and permitting fluid communication between the can and the first pad.

OBJECTS It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide pipe and fitting cleaning and priming apparatus.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide apparatus for cleaning and/or priming the outside and inside surfaces of a pipe and fitting or other hollow, cylindrical object for a predetermined distance from the ends thereof.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide pipe cleaning and priming apparatus in which the primer fluid is supplied in a standard pressurized can with a standard aerosol valve system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide pipe cleaning and priming apparatus having a pair of annular pads for cleaning and priming both the outside surface of a pipe and the inside surface of a fitting.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide pipe cleaning and priming apparatus which assures that the pipe and fitting surfaces will receive a uniform and controlled coat of primer, including areas not visible to a workman.

Still other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment constructed in accordance therewith taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like numerals designate like parts in the several figures and wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of pipe cleaning and priming apparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken through the longitudinal axis of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with the aerosol container in the normal position and the sliding applicator tube in its middle position;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing the sliding applicator tube in the extended position;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG.

2 showing the sliding applicator tube in the retracted position;

FIG. 6 is a partial c'ross sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing the aerosol container in the fluid releasing position; and

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing the manner of connecting the aerosol container to the main body of the apparatus.

DESCRIPTION .OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The present apparatus is designed for cleaning and coating, hereinafter referred to as-priming, the inside and outside surfaces of a hollow cylindrical object with a fluid material. The object which has its outside surface cleaned and primed will hereinafter be referred to as a pipe. The object which has its inside surface cleaned and primed will hereinafter be referred to as a fitting. However, it will be recognized that the present apparatus may be used for cleaning and priming the outside surface of a male fitting and that the word pipe is used in the broadest sense of the word. It will also be recognized that the present apparatus may be used for cleaning and priming the inside surface of a pipe and that the word fitting is used in the broadest sense of the word, Furthermore, while the present apparatus will be described in its preferred embodiment as apparatus for cleaning and priming the outside and inside surfaces of a-pipe and a fitting, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present apparatus may be used to clean and/or apply any flowable prodnet to the surface of a pipe or fitting or any other hollow, cylindrical object. 7

Referring now to the drawings and, more particularly, to FIGS. 1-3 thereof, there is shown a pipe cleaning and priming unit, generally designated 10, for cleaning and priming the outside surface of a pipe 11 and the inside surface of afitting 12. Unit includes an elongate, hollow, cylindrical body section or inner housing 13 having a longitudinal axis 19 and an enclosed bottom 14 with an axial hole 15 therein. The outside surface of housing 13, at the top thereof, includes an annular groove 16 which receives a first annular cleaning and priming pad 17. Pad 17 may be of any suitable flexible, porous material such as felt, woven fabric, carpet-like nap material, or any combination of the above that resists attachment of foreign materials and is very flexible yet firm enough to provide the "scrubbing action desired,as will be explained more fully hereinafter.

Pad 17 is retained within groove 16 by means of a cylindrical retaining plug 20, the body of which extends into the top of inner housing 13. Retaining plug 20 includes an integral annular lip 21' which engages the top of inner housing 13 and the top end of pad 17 thereby retaining pad 17 in groove 16.

' Retaining plug 20 has an axial bore 22 in the bottom thereof into which extends a cylindrical plug 23. Plug 23 has an integral collar 24, the periphery of which contacts the inner surface of inner-housing l3, beneath the bottom of plug 20. The bottom surface of plug 20 and the top surface of collar 24, which surfaces are disposed adjacent each other, are tapered in opposite directions so that the spacing therebetween increases with increasing diameter from longitudinal axis 19 of unit 10. Positioned between these surfaces is a sealing ring 25 having tapered upper and lower surfaces matching the tapers of plug 20 and collar 24. Thus, as plugs 20 and 23 are drawn together, as will be described shortly, sealing ring 25 is forced outwardly,into an annular groove 26 in the inside surface of housing 13, thereby providing a fluid-tight seal between plugs 20 and 23 and plug 20 and inner housing 13.

Plug 23 has an axial bore 28 extending entirely therethrough into which extends the upper end of a transfer tube 30. Transfer tube 30 has an integral collar 31 near the upper end thereof which engages the bottom of collar 24 of plug 23. A sealing ring 32 positioned between collars 24 and 31 provides a fluid-tight seal between transfer tube 30 and plug 23.

The upper end of transfer tube 30 has an internally threaded, axial bore 33 extendingpartially thereinto to receive the end of a screw 34. Screw 34 extends through a countersunk axial bore 35 which passes entirely through plug 20. Thus, plugs 20 and 23 are drawn together and simultaneously attached to the top of transfer tube 30 by extending screw 34 through bore 35 in plug 20 and into threaded bore 33 in transfer tube 30. Tightening 'of screw 34 draws plug 20 down into inner housing 13, expanding sealing ring 25 into groove 26.

Unit 10 further includes an elongate, hollow, cylindrical body section or outer housing 37 which is positioned coaxially with and surrounding inner housing 13. Outer housing 37 is spaced from inner housing 13 so as to define an annular area 38 therebetween. Outer housing 37 includes, atrthe lower end thereof, an integral disc-shaped member 39 which extends parallel to and in contact with bottom 14' of inner housing 13. Member 39 has an axial-hole 40 therein which is approximately equal in diameter to hole 15 in bottom 14 of housing 13. v

The bottom of transfer tube 30 is externally threaded and extends through openings 15 and 40 for engagement with the internal threads of a cylindrical collect retainer 41. The bottom of transfer tube 30 also includes an integral collar 42 which extends above hole 15 in bottom 14 of housing 13. A lock washer 43 may be positioned between collar 42 and bottom 14 of inner housing 13. Thus, by tightening retainer 41 onto the threaded bottom of transfer tube'30, inner and outer housings l3 and 37, respectively, are rigidly interconnected and transfer tube 30 is rigidly connected to housings l3 and 37.

Unit 10 further comprises an elongate, hollow, cylindrical body section or sliding applicator tube 45 which is positioned coaxially with and surrounding inner housing 13 for slidable movement in a direction parallel to axis 19. More specifically, the lower end of sliding tube 45 is slidable within annular area 38 between inner and outer housings 13 and 37, respectively. The inside surface of sliding tube 45, at the upper end thereof, has an annular groove 46 therein. Positioned within groove 46 is a second annular pad 47 which is essentially identical to pad 17 except that pad 47 extends inwardly from sliding tube 45 so as to contact the outside surface of pipe 11. Pad 47 is retained within groove 46 by means of a nut 48 which engages external threads at the upper end of sliding tube 45'. Nut 48 has an inwardly extending integral lip 49 which extends across the upper end of sliding tube 40 and the upper edge of pad 47. Thus, tightening of nut 48 onto sliding tube 45 brings lip 49 into contact with tube 45 and pad 47, retaining pad 47 within groove 46. h

For reasons which will appear more fully hereinafter, sliding tube 45 is axially movable but not rotatable relative to inner housing 13. To provide for the sliding movement, the inner diameter of sliding tube 45 is slightly greater than the outer diameter of inner housing 13 to provide space for a pair of annular bearings 51 which are positioned within grooves 52 in the inner surface of tube 45 and ride along the outer surface of inner housing 13. Bearings 51 may be made of Teflon or any other suitable material. In order to prevent the rotation of tube 45 relative to inner and outer housings 13 and 37, respectively, tube 45 has a pair of elongate slots 53 in the outer surface thereof, on opposite sides thereof, positioned parallel to axis 19. Slots 53, which do not extend the entire length of tube 45, cooperate with a pair of tube guides 54 positioned within a pair of slots 55 positioned in the upperr end of outer housing 37, parallel to axis 19. More specifically, guides 54 are arcuate members having a width equal to the width of slots 55, an outer surface having the same radius of curvature as outer housing 37, and a thickness approximately equal to the combined thickness of outer housing 37 and the depth of slots 53.'Thus, with guides 54 positioned within slots 55, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer surfaces of guides 54 .are coplanar with the outer surface of housing 37 and the inner surfaces of guides 54' extend into slots 53 in sliding tube 45, preventing rotation thereof.

Sliding tube 45 is positionable, relative to inner and.

outer housings 13 and 37, in three axially displaced positions. In a first position, as shown in FIG. 2, pads 17 and 47 are face to face and in contact. In a second position, as shown in FIG. 5, hereinafter referred to as the retracted position, sliding tube 45 is fully retracted into annular area 38 and pad 47 surrounds inner housing 13, out of contact with pad 17, permitting insertion of inner housing 13 into the open end of fitting 12. For this purpose, the upper end of housing 13 extends beyond the upper end of housing 37, sliding tube 45 being retractable to a position where the upper end thereof is positioned adjacent the upper end of housing 37. In this position, guides 54 contact the ends of slots 53 adjacent pad 47, thereby limiting the movement of sliding tube 45. In a third position, as shown in FIG. 4, hereinafter referred to as the extended position, sliding tube 45 is fully extended out .of annular area 38 so as to define an open-ended chamber 36 at the upper end thereof for receipt of the end of pipe 11 and pad 17 is positioned within chamber 36, out of contact with pad 47. In this position, the lower end of sliding tube 45 is positioned adjacent the upper end of housing 37 and guides 54 contact the opposite ends of slots 53, thereby limiting the movement of sliding tube 45.

Unit also includes means for releasably retaining sliding tube 45 in any one of the three positions described above. Such means include an annular ring 57 which surrounds sliding tube 45 and cooperates with any one of three annular, spaced-apart, parallel grooves 58-60 in the outer surface of sliding tube 45 which define the first, second, and third positions, respectively. Groove 58 is centrally positioned relative to the opposite ends of sliding tube 45, groove 59 is positioned adjacent nut 48, and groove 60 is positioned adjacent the lower end of sliding tube 45. Ring 57 resiliently extends into any one of grooves 58-60 to select any one of the three positions.

Ring 57 is positioned in contact with the upper end of outer housing 37 and tube guides 54. ,A nut 61 engages external threads at the upper end of outer housing 37, nut 61 having an inwardly extending, integral lip 62 which contacts ring 57 and maintains it in contact with outer housing 37. Nut 61 may also include an annular recess 63 positioned directly beneath lip 62 for receipt of a spring 64. Spring 64 is configured so as to exert a radially inwardly directed force on ring 57 to urge ring 57 into one of grooves 58-60. It should be further noted that tightening nut 61 onto outer housing 37 will have the effect of compressing ring 57, which expands inwardly, thereby increasing the pressure of ring 57 in grooves 58-60 and rendering adjustable the holding force of ring 57 on sliding tube 45.

Unit 10 also includes housing means 66 connectable to inner and outer housings 13 and 37, respectively, defining an enclosed chamber 67 for containment of a fluid material, such as a highly reactive solvent, and means for conducting the fluid material from chamber 67 to'pads 17 and 47. More specifically, and with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 6, and 7, housing means 66 preferably comprises a standard pressurized container configuration with a standard aerosol valve system 68. Thus, container 66 has an axial opening at the upper end thereof which receives the bottom of transfer tube 30. For this purpose, the bottom of transfer tube 30, at 69, which extends below collar 42 and the threads therebelow, is formed so as to extend into opening 65 to engage and activate valve system 68, as will appear more fully hereinafter.

In order to connect container 66 to housings 13 and 37, unit l0.is provided with a sliding collet 70 which surrounds retainer 41. Retainer 41 has a pair of slots 71 in the outer surface thereof, on opposite sides thereof, slots 71 extending parallel to axis 19. Collet 70 includes a pair of inwardly extending tongues 72 which engage slots 71 and permit sliding movement of collet 70 relative to retainer 41 but prevent rotation of one relative to the other. In addition, since the ends of slots 72 closest to container 66 do not extend to the ends of retainer 41, collet 70 may not be removed from retainer 41 except by removal of retainer 41 from the bottom of transfer tube 30.

Collet 70 is a complex part which serves multiple functions. The main body 73 of collet 70 is cylindrical, having an inside diameter which is slightly greater than the outside diameter of retainer 41. Main body 73 of collet 70 supports tongues 72 which extend from the top thereof to a position spaced from the bottom thereof. This construction permits the bottom of main body 73 to extend beneath the bottom of retainer 41, the bottom of main body 73 terminating in a tapered surface 74. Surface 74 is positioned at an angle of approximately 45 relative to axis 19 and is positioned so as to face outwardly rather than inwardly. The central section of sliding collet 70 has an increased diameter, at 75, and is externally threaded, as shown. The upper end of collet 70, above threaded section 75, has a still further increased diameter, which section operates as a stop, as will appear more fully hereinafter.

Sliding collet 70 engages a complex cap, generally designated 78, which is connectable to container 66. Cap 78 includes a planar, ring-shaped, central section 79 and a cylindrical section 80, having the same diameter as container 66, which extends downwardly from the outer periphery of section 79 to engage the top 81 of the body of container 66. Cap 78 also includes a decreased'diameter cylindrical section 82 which extends upwardly from section 79, from a point intermediate the inner and outer peripheries thereof, the inner diameter of section 82 being approximately equal to the outer diameter of outer housing 37 so that section 82 contacts the outer surface of outer housing 37, as shown. It should, however, be noted that with container 66 in the position shown in FIG. 2, the bottom of outer housing 37 is spaced from section 79 of cap 78.

Cap 78 also includes a decreased diameter cylindrical section 83 which extends upwardly from the inner periphery of section 79, the upper end of cylindrical section 83 terminating in a ring-shaped section 84 which is internally threaded so as to engage threaded section 75 of sliding collet 70. Finally, cap 78 includes a plurality of elongate fingers 85 which extend downwardly from the inner periphery of ring-shaped section 84, fingers 85 being positioned parallel to but spaced from body 73 of sliding collet 70. The bottom of each one of fingers 85 has an increased thickness, at 86, both radially inwardly and outwardly, so that the inner surface thereof contacts the outer surface of body 73. The transition in the inner surface of fingers 85, from the portion spaced from collet 7.0 to the portion in contact with collet 70, is tapered, at 87, at an angle which is identical to tapered surface 74 of collet 70.

The outer diameter of fingers 85 is slightly less than the inner diameter of the standard ring 88 found at the top of all standard pressurized containers using standard aerosol valve systems. On the other hand, bottoms 86 of fingers 85 are enlarged outwardly so as to extend beneath and, engage ring 88 to connect container 66 to fingers 85, as will be explained more fully hereinafter.

Referring now to FIG. 2, in order vto permit fluid communication between chamber 67 and pads 17 and 47, transfer tube 30 has a fluid passageway 89 extending almost entirely therethrough, from the bottom 69 thereof to a point spaced from the bottornof threaded bore 33 at the top thereof. At the upper end of fluid passageway 89, a plurality of fluid passageways 90 extend radially outwardly to the outer surface of tube 30, above collar 31. Passageways 90 communicate with a plurality of parallel, axially directed grooves 91 in the outer periphery of tube 31 which provide fluid passageways from passageways 90 to the top of transfer tube 30..The tops of transfer tube 30 and plug 23 are spaced from the base of bore 22 in plug 20 so as to provide a fluid conducting area 92 therebetween. From area 92, fluid is conducted outwardly through a plurality of radial passageways 93 which extend through plug 20, from bore 22. Passageways 93 are in fluid communication with an annular groove 94 in the outer surface of plug 20 which is positioned parallel to and on the other side of inner housing 13 from groove 16 therein.

- Grooves 94 and 16 are interconnected by means of a plurality of radially extending fluid passageways 95 which extend through the top of inner housing 13. Thus, fluid communication between chamber 67 and pad 17 is provided through fluid passageways 89 and 90, grooves 91, area 92, fluid passageways 93, groove 94, and fluid passageways 95. In addition, when sliding tube 47 is in the first position, as shown in FIG. 2, this fluid is readily transferred from pad 17 to pad 47 due to the intimate contact therebetween.

- As stated previously, bottom 69 of transfer tube 30 extends into the standard aerosol valve system 68 at the top of container 66. In order to activate valve system 68 to permit the flow of fluid material from chamber 67 into passageway 89, and with reference to FIGS. 2 and 6, container 66 is movable relative to inner and outer housings l3 and 37. More specifically, sliding collet 70, cap 78, and container 66, which are allrigidly interconnected, are movable relative to retainer 41 and outer 18' housing 37. A spring 97 positioned between member 39 of outer housing 37 and section 79 of cap 78 maintains cap 78 and housing 37 in their most separated position, as shown in FIG. 2, with tongue 72 of collet engaging the bottom of slot 71 in retainer 41. However, container 66 may be moved towards housing 37, compressing spring 97, whereupon tongue 72 of sliding collet 70 slides within slot 71 in retainer 41 and section 82 of cap 78 slides along the outer surface of outer housing 37. When container 66 is moved to this position, as shown in FIG. 6, bottom 69 of transfer tube 30 extends into valve system 68, actuating same and permitting fluid communication between chamber 67 and fluid passageway 89. As soon as container 66 is released, itis returned to the normal position by spring 97, as shown in FIG. 2.

' OPERATION The solvent provides rapid and immediate penetration ,of the pipe and fitting surfaces, without the danger of degrading the plastic materials because most of the primer solvent will evaporate prior to sealing the joint.

The starting position of unit 10 is shown in FIG. 2 with sliding tube 45 in the first position and pads 17 and 47 in contact. Unit 10 is inverted so that pads 17 and 47 are facing downwardly. Pads 17 and 47 may now be charged with the primer material within chamber 67 of container 66. This is achieved by holding outer housing 37 in one hand and container 66 in the other-hand and moving the two parts .together, against the force of spring 97. In this position of housing 37 and container 66, hereinbefore referred to as the fluid releasing position, and as shown in FIG. 6, bottom 69 of transfer tube 30 is extended through opening 65 in container 66 where it actuates valve system 68 of aerosol container 66. The primer fluid-is now conducted, as described previously, to pad 17 and then to pad 47.

When pads 17 and 47 are charged with a sufficient quantity of primer, container 66 is released whereby spring 97 returns container 66 and cap 78 to the normal position, shown in FIG. 2. At this time, and still holding outer housing 37 in one hand, sliding tube 45 is grasped with the other hand and moved to the extended position, as shown in FIG. 4. With sliding tube 45 in this position, pad 47 may be pushed over the end of pipe 11, pipe 11 extending into chamber 36 until it contacts lip 21 of plug 20. The preferred action is to push pad 47 over the end of pipe 11 with a quick twisting motion, withdrawing unit 10 immediately in a continuous motion. The twisting motion provides the mechanical scrubbing action referred to previously and the quick action insures that the highly reactive solvent does not remain on the pipe outside surface too long.

As soon as the end of pipe 11 is withdrawn from chamber 36, unit is brought into contact with the end of fitting 12. While it is possible to grasp sliding tube 45 and move it to the retracted position, as shown in FIG. 5, it is not strictly necessary to do this. In other words, with sliding tube 45 still in the extended position, the end of pipe fitting 12 will contact lip 49 of nut 48 at the end of sliding tube 45. Therefore, a longitudinal force will be transmitted to sliding tube 45 causing the automatic retraction thereof while plug 20 at the end of inner housing 13 is extended into the end of fitting 12 until lip 21 of plug 20 contacts the internal shoulder of fitting 12. In any event, the same quick twisting insertion and immediate withdrawal is followed with fitting l2 and both surfaces are now prepared for application of the solvent cement.

It will be noted that ring 57 in cooperation with grooves 58-60 maintains sliding tube 45 in any one of the three desired positions thereof. Furthermore, tube guides 54 in cooperation with slots 53 in sliding tube 45 prevent rotation of sliding tube 45 during the twisting motion applied to outer housing 37 during the cleaning and priming operation just described.

It will be necessary to charge pads 17 and 47 only intermittently as they will normally hold enough primer to process anywhere from five to ten joints, depending on the ambient temperature, humidity, and the mode of operation of the unit.

Depending on the working conditions, materials, and the workmans needs, unit 10 will require periodic cleaning to remove dissolved resin, dirt, and other solids accumulated in its natural function of cleaning and solvating the surfaces of pipe 11 and fitting 12. A simple procedure for thorough cleaning is to hold unit 10 vertically, with pads 17 and 47 facing downwardly, and with sliding tube 45 in the intermediate position, with pads 17 and 47 in contact, as shown in FIG. 2. Holding unit 10 over a waste receptacle, the mechanism for permitting fluid communication between chamber 67 andpad 17 is activated by pushing container 66 downwardly while holding outer housing 37 rigidly. This procedure is continued until both pads 17 and 47 are well flooded with the solvent material. After allowing a few seconds to permit the solvent to dissolve the solubles and float" the solids, sliding tube 45 is moved back and forth briskly relative to housing 13, to generate a scrubbing action, intermittently reactivating container 66 to flood pads 17 and 47 with additional primer solvent. This procedure, assisted by gravity, will wash out any contaminants from pads 17 and 47.

As stated previously, the primer fluidis preferably supplied in a standard pressurized container 66 having a standard aerosol valve system 68. In order to change container 66 when all of the fluid material therein has been exhausted, outer housing 37 is held in one hand, cap 78 is held in the other hand, and cap 78 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction relative to housing 37. Since sliding collet 70 is prevented from rotating relative to retainer 41 due to the interaction of slot 71 and tongue 72, the rotation of cap 78 causes rotation of ring-shaped section 84 and fingers 85 of cap 78 relative to collet 70. Rotation continues until tapered surface 87 of fingers 85 reaches tapered surface 74 at the bottom of collet 70. Fingers 85 are prestressed so as to be urged inwardly and thus assume the position shown in FIG. 7 with te main body of fingers 85 in contact with the main body of collet 70. At thistime, bottoms 86 of fingers 85 release ring 88 of container 66, permitting the removal and replacement thereof.

A new can is now extended into section of cap 78 until bottom 69 of tube 30 enters opening 65 in container 66. While holding top 81 of container 66 in contact with section 80 of cap 78, cap 78 is rotated in a clockwise direction relative to outer housing 37. As tapered surfaces 87 of fingers contact tapered surface 74 at the bottom of collet 70, fingers 85 are expanded outwardly to the locked position, shown in FIG. 2, to firmly retain container 66 in cap 78. Rotation continues until ring-shaped section 84 of cap 78 contacts stop 76 of collet 70. This procedure will effectively lock container 66 containing the primer fluid into a position that holds it dependably ready to operate as a self-energizing reservoir of primer fluid. The supply of primer solvent may now be dispensed whenever required and in amounts that experience indicates will be ideal for the conditions and circumstances of the particular operation.

Unit 10 may be readily disassembled for thorough cleaning or repair. The simple procedure first requires the removal of container 66 from cap 78 in the manner just described. Cap 78 is then rotated further until it disengages from sliding collet 70. Slide retainer 41 may now be rotated in a counterclockwise direction until it disengages from the threads at the bottom of transfer tube 30. Now, at the other end of unit 10, screw 34 is removed permitting removal of plug 20, plug 23, sealing rings 25 and 32, and removal of transfer tube 30 from holes 15 and 40. All of the components are now available for disassembly, inspection, andcleaning. Reassembly simply requires a reversal of the above procedure.

It would be desirable to maintain a minimum weight for unit 10 for reasons of worker fatigue. Thus, aluminum is preferred for most metal parts except for spring 97, lock washer 43, and screw 34 which are preferably stainless steel. Other suitable materials for some of the parts are brass and bronze. The character of the solvents involved will compromise most elastomers, therefore all seals, pads, and sliding tube bearings are preferably Teflon of various compounds such as glass fiber and mineral filled as well as virgin resin.

It can therefore be seen that in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a pipe and fitting cleaning and priming apparatus which solves the problem encountered heretofore. Unit 10 is operative to clean and apply to the end of a pipe and a fitting a predetermined quantity of fluid material, for a predetermined distance from the ends thereof. Such cleaning and priming is accomplished quickly and efficiently so as to avoid the effects of the variables of time, temperature, discontinuities, workmanship, and the like. With unit 10, the great bulk of the primer fluid is entirely enclosed, at all times, within container 66, and only that portion being used is exposed to the air so that fewer fumes are released and so that the primer is not subject to contamination or loss of effectiveness by exposure to the air. The fire hazard created by the high flamability factor of the solvent material and the possible allergic reaction to the workman's skin is limited by the hermetic containment of the bulk of the primer.

Regardless of the difficulty of the installation, unit 10 permits the removal of loose foreign materials and the application of the primer to pipe 11 and fitting l2 rapidly and efficiently so that uniformly prepared surfaces are provided. With unit 10, the job of pipe and fitting cleaning and priming is indeed so simplified that it may be relegated to an unskilled workman. The complex requirements of cleaning and priming are all but eliminated and reduced to a simple routine that may be readily followed with a minimum amount of training.

While the invention has been described with respect to the preferred physical embodiment constructed in accordance therewith, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that unit may be used to apply any flowable product to the surface of a pipe or fitting. Unit 10 may be used to apply different types of coatings to different types of cylindrical objects such as fluxes to pipes and fittings for welding purposes, glazing frit to ceramic tubes, and paints to a wide variety of objects. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the specific illustrative embodiment, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for cleaning and/or priming the outside and inside surfaces of a pipe and fittingor other hollow cylindrical object comprising:

a first elongate, cylindrical body section being insertable into the open end of said fitting;

first annular pad means surrounding said first body section, at the one end thereof insertable into said fitting, said first pad vmeans extending outwardly from said first body section so as to contact the inside surface of said fitting;

a second elongate, hollow, cylindrical body section positioned coaxially with and surrounding said first body section and connected thereto for slidable movement in a direction parallel to the axes thereof, said second body section defining an openended chamber at one end thereof for receipt of the end of said pipe; and

second annular pad means positioned within said chamber in said second body section and connected thereto adjacent said one end thereof, said second pad means extending inwardly from said second body section so as to contact the outside surface of said pipe, said second body section being positionable, relative to said first body section,

in a first position with said first and second pad means in contact,

in a second position with said secondpad means surrounding said first body section, out of contact with said first pad means, permitting insertion of said first body section into said'open end of said fitting, and

in a third position with said first pad means within said chamber, out of contact with said second pad means, permitting insertion of said pipe into said chamber. v

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 further compris- 5 third elongate, hollow, cylindrical body section positioned coaxially with and surrounding said first body section and rigidly connected. thereto, said third body section being spaced from said first body section so as to define an annular area, the other end of said second body section being movable in said annular area.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said one end of said first body section extends beyond one end of said third body section and wherein said one end of said second body section is positioned adjacent said one end of said third body section when said second body section is in said second position.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said other end of said second body section is positioned adjacent said one end of said third body section when said second body section is in said third position.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 further comprismg:

means associated with said one end of said third body section for limiting said movement of said second body section and for defining said first, second, and third positions of said second body section relative to said first body section.

6. Apparatus according to claim 2 further comprismg:

means for preventing rotation of said second body section relative to said first and second body sections. 7. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprismg:

housing means connectable to said first body section defining an enclosed chamber for containment of a fluid material; and

means extending through said first body section forming a fluid passageway interconnecting said enclosed chamber and said first pad means to permit fluid communication therebetween. l

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said housing means comprises:

a standard pressurized container which is removably connectable to said first body section. 9. Apparatus according to claim 7 further comprismg:

valve means for controlling the flow of said fluid material from said enclosed chamber into said fluid passageway.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said housing means is movable relative to said first body section between a normal and a fluid releasing position, movement of said housing means relative to said first body section to said fluid releasing position automatically actuating said valve means, permitting fluid communication between said enclosed chamber and said first pad means; and further comprising:

means for biasing said housing means in said normal position.

11. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said housing means comprises a standard pressurized container and wherein said valve means comprises a standard aerosol valve system.

12. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first and second annular pad means are constructed of a flexible, porous material such as felt, woven fabric, or carpet-like nap material.

13. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprismg:

means for releasably retaining said second body section in any one of said first, second, and third positions.

14. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprismg:

means for preventing rotation of said second body section relative to said first body section.

15. Apparatus for coating the inside surface of a fitting or other hollow cylindrical object comprising:

a first elongate, cylindrical body section, one end of said first body section being insertable into the open end of said fitting; I

annular pad means surrounding said one end of said first body section and extending outwardly therefrom so as to contact the inside surface of said fitting;

a second body section being connectable to the other end of said first body section and defining an enclosed chamber for containment of a fluid material, said second body section being axially movable relative to said first body section between a normal and a fluid releasing position;

means extending through said first body section forming a fluid passageway interconnecting said enclosed chamber and said pad means to permit fluid communication therebetween; and

valve means for controlling the flow of said fluid material from said enclosed chamber into said fluid passageway, movement of said second body section relative to said first body section to said fluid releasing position automatically actuating said valve means, permitting fluid communication between said enclosed chamber and said pad means.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said second body section is removably connectable to said first body section.

17. Apparatus according to claim 15 further comprismg;

means for biasing said second body section in said normal position.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said second body section comprises a standard pressurized container, wherein said valve means comprises a standard aerosol valve system, and wherein movement of said second body section from saidnormal position to said fluid releasing position moves said second body section toward said first body section, said fluid passageway forming means engaging and automatically actuating said aerosol valve system when said second body section is moved toward said first body section. 

1. Apparatus for cleaning and/or priming the outside and inside surfaces of a pipe and fitting or other hollow cylindrical object comprising: a first elongate, cylindrical body section being insertable into the open end of said fitting; first annular pad means surrounding said first body section, at the one end thereof insertable into said fitting, said first pad means extending outwardly from said first body section so as to contact the inside surface of said fitting; a second elongate, hollow, cylindrical body section positioned coaxially with and surrounding said first body section and connected thereto for slidable movement in a direction parallel to the axes thereof, said second body section defining an openended chamber at one end thereof for receipt of the end of said pipe; and second annular pad means positioned within said chamber in said second body section and connected thereto adjacent said one end thereof, said second pad means extending inwardly from said second body section so as to contact the outside surface of said pipe, said second body section being positionable, relative to said first body section, in a first position with said first and second pad means in contact, in a second position with said second pad means surrounding said first body section, out of contact with said first pad means, permitting insertion of said first body section into said open end of said fitting, and in a third position with said first pad means within said chamber, out of contact with said second pad means, permitting insertion of said pipe into said chamber.
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising: a third elongate, hollow, cylindrical body section positioned coaxially with and surrounding said first body section and rigidly connected thereto, said third body section being spaced from said first body section so as to define an annular area, the other end of said second body section being movable in said annular area.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said one end of said first body section extends beyond one end of said third body section and wherein said one end of said second body section is positioned adjacent said one end of said third body section when said second body section is in said second position.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said other end of said second body section is positioned adjacent said one end of said third body section when said second body section is in said third position.
 5. Apparatus according to claim 4 further comprising: means associated with said one end of said third body section for limiting said movement of said second body section and for defining said first, second, and third positions of said second body section relative to said first body section.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 2 further comprising: means for preventing rotation of said second body section relative to said first and second body sections.
 7. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising: housing means connectable to said first body section defining an enclosed chamber for containment of a fluid material; and means extending through said first body section forming a fluid passageway interconnecting said enclosed chamber and said first pad means to permit fluid communication therebetween.
 8. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said housing means comprises: a standard pressurized container which is removably connectable to said first body section.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 7 further comprising: valve means for controlling the flow of said fluid material from said enclosed chamber into said fluid passageway.
 10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said housing means is movable relative to said first body section between a normal and a fluid releasing position, movement of said housing means relative to said first body section to said fluid releasing position automatically actuating said valve means, permitting fluid communication beTween said enclosed chamber and said first pad means; and further comprising: means for biasing said housing means in said normal position.
 11. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said housing means comprises a standard pressurized container and wherein said valve means comprises a standard aerosol valve system.
 12. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first and second annular pad means are constructed of a flexible, porous material such as felt, woven fabric, or carpet-like nap material.
 13. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising: means for releasably retaining said second body section in any one of said first, second, and third positions.
 14. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising: means for preventing rotation of said second body section relative to said first body section.
 15. Apparatus for coating the inside surface of a fitting or other hollow cylindrical object comprising: a first elongate, cylindrical body section, one end of said first body section being insertable into the open end of said fitting; annular pad means surrounding said one end of said first body section and extending outwardly therefrom so as to contact the inside surface of said fitting; a second body section being connectable to the other end of said first body section and defining an enclosed chamber for containment of a fluid material, said second body section being axially movable relative to said first body section between a normal and a fluid releasing position; means extending through said first body section forming a fluid passageway interconnecting said enclosed chamber and said pad means to permit fluid communication therebetween; and valve means for controlling the flow of said fluid material from said enclosed chamber into said fluid passageway, movement of said second body section relative to said first body section to said fluid releasing position automatically actuating said valve means, permitting fluid communication between said enclosed chamber and said pad means.
 16. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said second body section is removably connectable to said first body section.
 17. Apparatus according to claim 15 further comprising: means for biasing said second body section in said normal position.
 18. Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said second body section comprises a standard pressurized container, wherein said valve means comprises a standard aerosol valve system, and wherein movement of said second body section from said normal position to said fluid releasing position moves said second body section toward said first body section, said fluid passageway forming means engaging and automatically actuating said aerosol valve system when said second body section is moved toward said first body section. 